China Declares Ban On Government Construction

Chinese authorities have announced a five-year ban on the construction of new government buildings, in what is described as an attempt to impose austerity measures and crack down on corruption and waste.

Chinese authorities have announced a five-year ban on the construction of new government buildings, in what is described as an attempt to impose austerity measures and crack down on corruption and waste.

The state-run Xinhua News Agency said the Communist Party's central committee and the State Council, or cabinet, jointly issued the directive.

The report says the directive orders an "across-the-board halt" to construction of official buildings, as well as "glitzy" structures built as training centers or government hotels.

Reports say frustration among ordinary people has grown over the construction of extravagant government buildings that may include giant offices, grandiose structures, and even seaside resorts for use by officials and employees.